The phenomenon ‘parents-coaches’ in fieldhockey

For sure, you will have in your mind one example of “father or mother coach”, and we mean not the father who really is but the one who believe he is. That one who is on the steps in the stadium giving order to his son and every player on the pitch. And when the training is over keep coaching at home.

Training is and always has been a multidisciplinary issue. This means that not only limited to the relationship between player-coach, but includes several actors more: the club, managers and, last but not least, parents. Today we will focus on the triangle parent-coach-player relationships.

Should be parents in or out of the teaching process? 

We all know cases of parents that in the pitch become coaches from the stands, keeping with this role after the game and even at home. So some clubs wonder if it is beneficial to include parents in the teaching-learning process of their children.

Our position is clear: the club should help to educate parents . For this porpuse, it should be necesary create a program that involves meeting and guides for the parents. In order to let them know the club philosophy and values. And show a proper way to contribute to the player education.

At these scheduled meetings during the season, coaches will explain to parents the project with the club and their children involvement. Therefore, they will be encouraged to be part of the process following the rules of the game. In addition, it is necessary to report parents about the actions exectuted. It will increases confidence in the project and promote a climate of unity starts. Yes, always making it clear that their role is to be companion but decisions are taken by coaches and club. Always considering individual and collective needs

Ways to include parents in the club:

There are different ways to involve parents in their children’s education sports.

→ Involve them in organizational issues

One option is that parents will rotate in the role of team manager . Thus, they will share a match within the team and they will live the process from near. In addition, they could organize players transport to the pitch or arrange some team-building activities.

→ To help children with their club commitments.

Ensure that player be on time, plan and organize his calendar, take care of their equipment, gear, etc.

→ Respect the decisions of their children

Parents should support technical positions or decisions of players. If the child decides to be defense or goalkeeper, parents should support and encourage the player on their motivations. It’s not what parents likes, it’s about what player wants.

→ Just observe the training

Parents can attend training but always as observers from the stands without giving directions. Let the coach be the authority figure, and do your part in enforcing their rules for the team as acceptable and something to support.

→ Inculcate respect for the opponent and umpires

Children’s behavior is directly influenced by their parents. It is therefore important to inform parents that their role during games is to encourage the team and not focus their attention to the umpires and opponents.

→  Enjoy the competition

Focus on encouraging and not press the child with the results. Assess their efforts and emphasize the positive above errors. Leave technical and tactical issues coaches and athletes. Let the player express their emotions and show you support him in good times and bad. Let your kids fail. Let them experience losing. I can tell you as a coach who works with college kids, we have created a community of people who don’t know how to deal with losing.

In the case of speaking to correct a behavior, not doing at the time just after the game, wait for the child to calm down to treat it in a more thoughtful way